Marvel's Black Panther just crossed an astonishing milestone

Black Panther has been an unmitigated success at the box office, and this weekend it crossed an astonishing milestone. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has surpassed the $1 billion mark—all but ensuring audiences return to Wakanda for a sequel.

Since debuting, Black Panther has earned endless accolades from both critics and fans, resulting in several records. Not only was it the largest February debut of all time (surpassing Deadpool), but the film has gone on to become the highest grossing film by a black director.

Black Panther has also attained the top spot at the weekend box office for the fourth straight week in a row; the last film to achieve that was Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Buoying the film’s worldwide total is Black Panther’s release in China over the weekend, where it grabbed an estimated $66.5 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

With a relatively weak release lineup over the next month, it’s very possible Black Panther will remain as the top film until Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters in April.